Category Center for Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Climate Disasters in India: Extreme Events, Risks and Resilience

Climate disasters are risks closely linked to climatic conditions and climate change. These include extreme events such as heatwaves, floods, cyclones, and droughts, as well as other climate hazards. Although such events may have natural causes, the extent of their impact is strongly influenced by human exposure, vulnerability, environmental degradation, development patterns, and the capacity of institutions and communities to respond. The need to understand such climatic disasters has increased as extreme events increasingly affect livelihoods, infrastructure, public health, agriculture, ecosystems, and even economic activity.

Picture1 2 1

Namami Gange Programme: Assessing Progress as Phase II Nears Its 2026 Deadline

According to Hindu mythology, the Ganga is revered as a goddess who descends on earth from the great heavens. She was brought down to earth for the penance of King Bhaghirata. Ganga’s civilisational importance sits uneasily alongside an assessment of the river's current material condition. The Ganga’s length is over 2,525 kilometres. More importantly, the river supports 43 per cent of India’s population (CAG, 2017). Unfortunately, decades of industrial, religious and agricultural waste have severely degraded its ecological health. This has prompted the Government of India to launch the Namami Gange Programme (NGP) in June 2014. Under the Ministry of Jal Shakti's Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.

WhatsApp Image 2026 08 16 at 2.46.53 PM

National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds (2025): Seeds for Growth

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of India’s economy and rural livelihoods. Agriculture and allied activities employ around 46.1% of the country’s workforce, making the sector one of the largest sources of employment in India, while contributing nearly one-fifth of national income at current prices. The sector is particularly important for rural communities, where agriculture continues to account for the majority of employment (Economic Survey 2025-26). Improving agricultural productivity is essential not only for increasing farm output but also for strengthening rural livelihoods and ensuring long-term food security. Within this context, the availability, quality and suitability of seeds assume particular importance. Seeds determine a significant part of a crop’s yield potential and influence its ability to withstand pests, diseases, drought, heat, flooding and other environmental stresses. As climate change increases production risks and agricultural resources such as land and water face growing pressures, the development and widespread adoption of high-yielding, pest-resistant and climate-resilient crop varieties have become increasingly important to India’s agricultural policy agenda

ccis 3

Participants’ List & Details: Understanding the Nuances of Climate Change in the Indian Subcontinent- Cohort 3.0

Understanding the Nuances of Climate Change in the Indian Subcontinent Cohort 3.0 | An Online International Monsoon School Program | A Six-Weeks Immersive Online Introductory Certificate Training Course | July-August 2026 | IMPRI #WebPolicyLearning Participants’ List & Details Participants’ List & Details Understanding the…

amrutha poster 1

The Mutirao Mandate: India’s Energy Security and Climate Finance Strategies post COP-30

It’s been ten years since the Paris Agreement and the Presidency at COP30 in Belem launched the Global Mutirao as a part of its Belem political package that came along with matters on global stocktake, adaptation fund, reports and mitigation programmes (Belem Political Package, UNFCCC, 2025). The Global Mutirao, a key element in the package, was signed on by all the 195 participating countries. It is a commitment that seeks international cooperation to accelerate climate action and shows that the Paris Agreement is working, but it needs to do more and faster. (UNEP, 2025)

gargi poster 1

Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026: Examining India’s Implementation Readiness

Considering the growing urbanisation and lifestyle changes, India’s material consumption has increased six-fold between 1970 and 2015 and is expected to double again by 2030.  According to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India generates over 62 million tonnes of municipal waste annually, however, only 30-35% of the waste is scientifically segregated, posing a serious sanitation and health menace. 

WhatsApp Image 2026 08 15 at 5.29.27 PM

Heatwave Trends, Causes and Solutions

Heatwave has no universal definition. In general, Heatwave refers to a prolonged period of excessively hot weather coupled with high humidity. Different countries have different definitions of heatwaves which is usually based on their population’s tolerance and average temperatures throughout their history. For example, In USA, common definition for heatwave is temperature above 33.2 degree Celsius (90-degree Fahrenheit) for a period of 3 days continuously whereas for Australia the definition for heatwave is temperature above 35 degrees Celsius for 5 days or 40 degrees Celsius for consecutive 3 days. 

Talk to Us